First aid and incident handling
This domain tests the first actions at a crash or medical emergency and the administration that follows. The exam favours a calm sequence: protect the scene, call for help, assess the casualty, then give care within your training.
At the scene
- Stop safely, switch on hazard lights, put on a reflective vest and place a warning triangle where it can be seen without exposing yourself to traffic.
- Call 112 and give the location, number of casualties, hazards and what happened. Do not move a casualty unless there is immediate danger such as fire.
- Use DRABC: danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation. If unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR: 30 compressions to 2 breaths, about 100-120 compressions per minute, depth 5-6 cm, and use an AED as soon as it arrives.
- If breathing but unresponsive, place in the recovery position and monitor. Control bleeding with direct pressure; cool burns with running water; keep a shocked casualty warm and do not give food or drink.
After the incident
- Exchange details, report to the operator and preserve tachograph data. Do not admit liability; record facts and witnesses.
Worked example
A passenger collapses and is unresponsive but breathing normally. You stop safely, call 112, check the airway and place the passenger in the recovery position while monitoring breathing. You do not start CPR because normal breathing is present, and you do not give water.
Traps
- Moving a casualty when there is no danger.
- Giving food or drink to an injured or shocked person.
- Leaving the scene before details are exchanged.
- Forgetting to secure the scene before helping.